Edwin is an exceptional vocalist with an old soul. His influences range from Sam Cooke, Bob Seger and the Allman Brothers to more modern artists like Marcus King, Chris Stapleton and the Teskey Brothers.

Edwin began his musical career at age 21 with the acapella group Blend where he spent 2 years honing his vocal ability, Edwin also spent some time touring the country as a backing vocalist for a well-known national recording artist. 

Edwin has a warm and engaging stage presence that pulls the audience into the show experience. Even though his wide vocal range covers the band's hard rock material with ease, you really feel his energy when singing a soulful ballad.

Clint Benesh is one-half of the dual guitar assault team in Backline 5. Growing up listening to classic rock with his dad, Clint's biggest influences are bands like the Black Crowes, Led Zeppelin, Free, and the Allman Brothers Band. Clint played guitar off and on throughout high school but dove deep into music after graduation. In the early days, he played in some short-lived bands but found success with a band called Ace in the Sleeve - a band he started with his brother-in-law.

For the next fifteen years, Clint focused his musical talents on leading worship in churches and traveling ministry teams. He is currently the student pastor at a local church where he and drummer John Shadowens met. It was through playing in the worship band together that the idea for Backline 5 got its start. A true gentleman, pastor, family man, and savage guitar slinger who spends his days building up the next generation.

The other half of the Backline 5 dual-guitar assault team is Andy Berthoux. Andy is a bit of a metal guitar legend in Southern Illinois driving heavy rock projects like Spellbound, Full Circle, White Trash Superstar, and occasionally embodying the role of Mick Mars in Rude, Lewd and Crued (a Motley Crue tribute). Andy and drummer John Shadowens met while playing in the country rock band Roads Traveled a couple of years ago. When Roads Traveled went on hiatus, John and Andy teamed up to form Backline 5.

Although metal guitar is Andy's first love, he is an amazingly versatile musician who works on developing incredibly interesting parts in whatever genre he plays. Known for using non-traditional tools like guitar synth, talkbox and other fun technology, Andy makes a five-piece band sound like a much fuller production. And yet he still melts faces in old-school rock fashion! He and Clint mesh very well, trading guitar solos and developing complex rhythms that send chills down everyone's spine. 

John Shadowens is the drummer and band leader for Backline 5. John started drumming in college, joining his first band the Welfare Brothers in 1989. Since those early days, he has performed and recorded with dozens of bands and artists from country to rock and blues to funk and soul. In recent years he provided the backbeat for local acts Saint City Rebels, Roads Traveled, and the Rich Fabec Band. John’s style is influenced by heavier, groove-oriented drummers who pepper interesting and tasty licks in their playing like Aynsley Dunbar, Dave Abbruzzese, Pat McDonald, Tommy Lee, and of course, the legendary John Bonham.

Backline 5 is John’s first time serving as a band leader.  "I had a vision for this band for many years. When I finally gathered this line-up of stellar musicians, I knew we would create a powerhouse show the likes of which Southern Illinois hasn’t seen in years. For that reason, I decided to try sitting in the driver’s seat” said Shadowens. “This band is exceeding my wildest expectations. Each week the show just gets sharper, slicker and more powerful."

Scott Thrapp (a.k.a The Love Bomb) is the bass player for Backline 5. Originally hailing from Texarkana Texas, Scott took up the bass in the early 1990’s. Most recently he was part of the rhythm section for the now disbanded Whiskey Revival. By day, he is a mild-mannered massage therapist. Although he describes himself as shy, performing live transforms him into a dynamic showman. Scott cannot be confined to any one spot on the stage during a show and is often found out in the crowd dancing and singing along with everyone.

Scott brings a unique vibe to Backline 5. You can definitely hear his influences including Led Zeppelin, AC/DC, Cream, ZZ Top and Traffic in his style. His playing is both effortless and powerful but deep down Scott is a self-described hippie who embraces peace and love. Prepare to be bombed with hugs, high fives and infectious energy when Scott shows up!